Pope Francis' Gentle Revolution: Inside Rolling Stone's New Issue

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Published 4:15 am, Tuesday, January 28, 2014

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Highlights of the tenure of Pope Francis

In the wake of the the deadly Paris terror attacks, Pope Francis defended freedom of speech as a fundamental right, but said there were limits to free, especially when confronting another equally fundamental human right: the freedom of religion. As an example, he joked, "If my good friend Dr. Gasparri says a curse word against my mother, he can expect a punch."

Check out the rest of the slideshow to see some interesting things Pope Francis has said or done.

In the wake of the the deadly Paris terror attacks, Pope Francis defended freedom of speech as a fundamental right, but said there were limits to free, especially when ... more

Photo: Andreas SOlaro, POOL

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Pope Francis took time to meet with actress and director Angelina Jolie. A few Vatican officials, ambassadors and a United Nations special envoy screened Jolie's film "Unbroken" in Vatican City. The pope did not watch the movie, but he did talk to her, her children and brother after the screening. less

Pope Francis took time to meet with actress and director Angelina Jolie. A few Vatican officials, ambassadors and a United Nations special envoy screened Jolie's film "Unbroken" in Vatican City. The pope did ... more

Photo: POOL

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In the wake of looming financial scandals, Pope Francis set up a department to handle all business transactions. The move later found hundreds of millions of euros in various Vatican accounts.

In the wake of looming financial scandals, Pope Francis set up a department to handle all business transactions. The move later found hundreds of millions of euros in various Vatican accounts.

Photo: Alessandra Tarantino, STF

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Pope Francis removed "bishop of bling" from his post. The bishop living in Germany spent $43 million on his home, including renovations for a $20,000 bathtub. After mounting outrage, he resigned, and the pope accepted. less

Pope Francis removed "bishop of bling" from his post. The bishop living in Germany spent $43 million on his home, including renovations for a $20,000 bathtub. After mounting outrage, he resigned, and the pope ... more

Photo: Alessandra Tarantino, STF

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Evangelist James Robsion, founder of Life Outreach International based in Euless, shares a high-five with Pope Francis at the Vatican on June 24, 2014.

Evangelist James Robsion, founder of Life Outreach International based in Euless, shares a high-five with Pope Francis at the Vatican on June 24, 2014.

Photo: Photo Courtesy Life Outreach International

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He excommunicated the mafia and all mobsters everywhere.

He excommunicated the mafia and all mobsters everywhere.

Photo: Andrew Medichini, AP

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He met with Susana De La Cruz, an 18-year-old girl from Boerne, in February thanks to Make-A-Wish.

He met with Susana De La Cruz, an 18-year-old girl from Boerne, in February thanks to Make-A-Wish.

Photo: Courtesy

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He's the first pope to chose the name Francis, named for St. Francis of Assisi because he loves the poor.

He's the first pope to chose the name Francis, named for St. Francis of Assisi because he loves the poor.

Photo: AP

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The Pope uses Twitter to spread his messages.

The Pope uses Twitter to spread his messages.

Photo: --

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Pope Francis gives the thumbs up as he is driven through the crowd during his weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Wednesday, June 25, 2014.

Pope Francis gives the thumbs up as he is driven through the crowd during his weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Wednesday, June 25, 2014.

Photo: Alessandra Tarantino, AP

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His meeting with Vladimir Putin was considered the most important meeting between a pontiff and head of state in years.

His meeting with Vladimir Putin was considered the most important meeting between a pontiff and head of state in years.

Photo: Alberto Pizzoli / AFP/ Getty Images

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He reached out to nonbelievers and reminded them God saves everyone, including atheists.

In this photo provided by the Vatican newspaper L'Osservatore Romano, Pope Francis kisses the foot of an inmate at the juvenile detention center of Casal del Marmo, Rome, Thursday, March 28, 2013. Francis washed the feet of a dozen inmates at a juvenile detention center in a Holy Thursday ritual. less

In this photo provided by the Vatican newspaper L'Osservatore Romano, Pope Francis kisses the foot of an inmate at the juvenile detention center of Casal del Marmo, Rome, Thursday, March 28, 2013. Francis ... more

He revealed he was once a bouncer at a nightclub in his native Argentina.

He revealed he was once a bouncer at a nightclub in his native Argentina.

Photo: Claudio Peri, AP

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Pope Benedict XVI meets the archbishop of Buenos Aires Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio at the Vatican on January 13, 2007.

Pope Benedict XVI meets the archbishop of Buenos Aires Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio at the Vatican on January 13, 2007.

Photo: Afp

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Italian cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio arrives for a meeting of pre-conclave on March 9, 2013 at the Vatican. The conclave of 115 "cardinal electors" will begin on March 12 under Michelangelo's famous frescoes of the Sistine chapel to choose the 266th pope following the abrupt end to Benedict's eight-year papacy which was often overshadowed by scandals. less

Italian cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio arrives for a meeting of pre-conclave on March 9, 2013 at the Vatican. The conclave of 115 "cardinal electors" will begin on March 12 under Michelangelo's famous frescoes ... more

In this 2008 photo, Argentina's Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, second from left, travels on the subway in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Bergoglio, named pope on Wednesday, March 13, 2013, was known for taking the subway and mingling with the poor of Buenos Aires while archbishop. Bergoglio chose the name Pope Francis and is the first pope ever from the Americas. less

In this 2008 photo, Argentina's Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, second from left, travels on the subway in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Bergoglio, named pope on Wednesday, March 13, 2013, was known for taking the ... more

Photo: Pablo Leguizamon, Associated Press

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Argentine Archbishop Jorge Bergoglio (right) draws the cross on the forehead of a believer during a mass for Ash Wednesday, opening Lent, the forty-day period of abstinence and deprivation for the Christians, before the Holy Week and Easter, on February 13, 2013 at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Bergoglio is a candidate to succeed Pope Benedict XVI. less

Argentine Archbishop Jorge Bergoglio (right) draws the cross on the forehead of a believer during a mass for Ash Wednesday, opening Lent, the forty-day period of abstinence and deprivation for the Christians, ... more

Photo: Juan Mabromata, AFP/Getty Images

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In this undated picture released by journalist Sergio Rubin, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Archbishop of Buenos Aires, second from left in back row, poses for a picture with his family in an unknown location. Bergoglio, who took the name of Pope Francis, was elected on Wednesday, March 13, 2013, the 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church. Top row from left to right, his brother Alberto Horacio, Bergoglio, his brother Oscar Adrian and his sister Marta Regina. Bottom row from left to right, his sister Maria Elena, his mother Regina Maria Sivori and his father Mario Jose Bergoglio. less

In this undated picture released by journalist Sergio Rubin, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Archbishop of Buenos Aires, second from left in back row, poses for a picture with his family in an unknown location. ... more

Photo: Associated Press

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In this undated picture released by journalist Sergio Rubin, Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Archbishop of Buenos Aires, right, kisses the hand of late Pope John Paul II during a ceremony at the Vatican. Bergoglio, who took the name of Pope Francis, was elected on Wednesday, March 13, 2013 the 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church. less

In this undated picture released by journalist Sergio Rubin, Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Archbishop of Buenos Aires, right, kisses the hand of late Pope John Paul II during a ceremony at the Vatican. Bergoglio, who ... more

Photo: Associated Press

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Italian cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio arrives for a meeting of pre-conclave on March 9, 2013 at the Vatican. The conclave of 115 "cardinal electors" will begin on March 12 under Michelangelo's famous frescoes of the Sistine chapel to choose the 266th pope following the abrupt end to Benedict's eight-year papacy which was often overshadowed by scandals. less

Italian cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio arrives for a meeting of pre-conclave on March 9, 2013 at the Vatican. The conclave of 115 "cardinal electors" will begin on March 12 under Michelangelo's famous frescoes ... more

Photo: Filippo Monteforte

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Argentine primate Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio delivers his homily at the church of San Cayetano (St.Cajetan) in Buenos Aires on August 7, 2009. A crowd of Catholic faithful called for bread and work on a pilgrimage to the sanctuary of San Cayetano, after which Pope Benedict XVI urged Argentines to strive to "reduce the scandal of poverty" in a global food producer. less

Argentine primate Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio delivers his homily at the church of San Cayetano (St.Cajetan) in Buenos Aires on August 7, 2009. A crowd of Catholic faithful called for bread and work on a ... more

Photo: Daniel Garcia, AFP/Getty Images

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Undated picture made in Vatican City of Jorge Mario Bergoglio, 69-year old Archbishop of Buenos Aires. Beroglio is an Argentinian intellectual Jesuit who is considered as a conservative on doctrinal and spiritual matters. less

Undated picture made in Vatican City of Jorge Mario Bergoglio, 69-year old Archbishop of Buenos Aires. Beroglio is an Argentinian intellectual Jesuit who is considered as a conservative on doctrinal and ... more

Photo: -

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Argentine Archbishop Jorge Bergoglio adjusts his mitre during a mass for Ash Wednesday, opening Lent, the forty-day period of abstinence and deprivation for the Christians, before the Holy Week and Easter, on February 13, 2013 at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Bergoglio is a candidate to succeed Pope Benedict XVI. less

Argentine Archbishop Jorge Bergoglio adjusts his mitre during a mass for Ash Wednesday, opening Lent, the forty-day period of abstinence and deprivation for the Christians, before the Holy Week and Easter, on ... more

Photo: Juan Mabromata, AFP/Getty Images

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The Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio leads a mass at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Thursday, Feb. 14, 2013. About 40 percent of the world's Catholics live in Latin America. It suggests that if the cardinals who will elect the next pope are willing to look outside Europe, their first choice might be Central or South America, which brings 19 cardinals to the conclave. Bergoglio has been mentioned as papal possibility to succeed Pope Benedict XVI. less

The Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio leads a mass at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Thursday, Feb. 14, 2013. About 40 percent of the world's Catholics live in ... more

Photo: Natacha Pisarenko, Associated Press

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Argentine Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio takes part in a holy mass for the eternal rest of Pope John Paul II 04 April, 2005 at Buenos Aires' cathedral. Speculation rose as to whether the next pope will come from Latin America, where nearly half of the world's 1.1 billion Roman Catholics live. less

Argentine Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio takes part in a holy mass for the eternal rest of Pope John Paul II 04 April, 2005 at Buenos Aires' cathedral. Speculation rose as to whether the next pope will come from ... more

Photo: Stf

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Argentine Archbishop Jorge Bergoglio speaks during a mass for Ash Wednesday, opening Lent, the forty-day period of abstinence and deprivation for the Christians, before the Holy Week and Easter, on February 13, 2013 at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Bergoglio is a candidate to succeed Pope Benedict XVI. less

Argentine Archbishop Jorge Bergoglio speaks during a mass for Ash Wednesday, opening Lent, the forty-day period of abstinence and deprivation for the Christians, before the Holy Week and Easter, on February 13, ... more

Photo: Juan Mabromata, AFP/Getty Images

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Handout photo released by San Lorenzo football club press service of Argentinian cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio posing with teenagers in Buenos Aires. Bergoglio was elected Pope on March 13, 2013, to replace the frail Benedict XVI as leader of the world's 1.2 billon Catholics. less

Handout photo released by San Lorenzo football club press service of Argentinian cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio posing with teenagers in Buenos Aires. Bergoglio was elected Pope on March 13, 2013, to replace ... more

Photo: Ho, AFP/Getty Images

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The Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio leads a mass at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Thursday, Feb. 14, 2013. About 40 percent of the world's Catholics live in Latin America. It suggests that if the cardinals who will elect the next pope are willing to look outside Europe, their first choice might be Central or South America, which brings 19 cardinals to the conclave. Bergoglio has been mentioned as papal possibility to succeed Pope Benedict XVI. less

The Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio leads a mass at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Thursday, Feb. 14, 2013. About 40 percent of the world's Catholics live in ... more

Photo: Natacha Pisarenko, Associated Press

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This undated photo shows Jorge Bergoglio, archbishop of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Bergoglio was appointed a Cardinal by Pope John Paul II.

This undated photo shows Jorge Bergoglio, archbishop of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Bergoglio was appointed a Cardinal by Pope John Paul II.

Photo: Str

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Argentine Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, celebrates a Mass in honor of Pope John Paul II at the Buenos Aires Cathedral in Buenos Aires, Argentina in this April 4, 2005 file photo. An anonymous cardinal has broken his vow of secrecy and released a diary he kept during the conclave that elected Pope Benedict XVI, revealing in a rare account that Cardinal Jorge Maria Bergoglio of Argentina had been the main challenger to Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger and had almost blocked his election. less

Argentine Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, celebrates a Mass in honor of Pope John Paul II at the Buenos Aires Cathedral in Buenos Aires, Argentina in this April 4, 2005 file photo. An anonymous cardinal has ... more

Photo: Natacha Pisarenko, AP

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The Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio leads a mass at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Thursday, Feb. 14, 2013. About 40 percent of the world's Catholics live in Latin America. It suggests that if the cardinals who will elect the next pope are willing to look outside Europe, their first choice might be Central or South America, which brings 19 cardinals to the conclave. Bergoglio has been mentioned as papal possibility to succeed Pope Benedict XVI. less

The Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio leads a mass at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Thursday, Feb. 14, 2013. About 40 percent of the world's Catholics live in ... more

Photo: Natacha Pisarenko, Associated Press

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Argentine Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, right, picks up Canadian Cardinal Marc Ouellet's skull cap after the wind blew it off as they walk in St. Peter's Square after attending a cardinals' meeting, at the Vatican, Wednesday, March 6, 2013. Cardinals are meeting to discuss the problems of the church and to get to know one another because there is no clear front-runner in the election of the new pope. less

Argentine Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, right, picks up Canadian Cardinal Marc Ouellet's skull cap after the wind blew it off as they walk in St. Peter's Square after attending a cardinals' meeting, at the ... more

Photo: Andrew Medichini, Associated Press

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Argentine Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, right, hands Canadian Cardinal Marc Ouellet his skull cap after the wind blew it off as they walk in St. Peter's Square after attending a cardinals' meeting, at the Vatican, Wednesday, March 6, 2013. Cardinals are meeting to discuss the problems of the church and to get to know one another because there is no clear front-runner in the election of the new pope. less

Argentine Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, right, hands Canadian Cardinal Marc Ouellet his skull cap after the wind blew it off as they walk in St. Peter's Square after attending a cardinals' meeting, at the ... more

Photo: Andrew Medichini, Associated Press

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Canadian Cardinal Marc Ouellet, left, holds on to his umbrella next to Argentine Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio as they walk in St. Peter's Square after attending a cardinals' meeting, at the Vatican, Wednesday, March 6, 2013. Cardinals are meeting to discuss the problems of the church and to get to know one another because there is no clear front-runner in the election of the new pope. less

Canadian Cardinal Marc Ouellet, left, holds on to his umbrella next to Argentine Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio as they walk in St. Peter's Square after attending a cardinals' meeting, at the Vatican, ... more

Photo: Andrew Medichini, Associated Press

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Argentine Archbishop Jorge Bergoglio during a mass for Ash Wednesday, opening Lent, the forty-day period of abstinence and deprivation for the Christians, before the Holy Week and Easter, on February 13, 2013 at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Bergoglio is a candidate to succeed Pope Benedict XVI. less

Argentine Archbishop Jorge Bergoglio during a mass for Ash Wednesday, opening Lent, the forty-day period of abstinence and deprivation for the Christians, before the Holy Week and Easter, on February 13, 2013 ... more

Photo: Juan Mabromata, AFP/Getty Images

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Argentine Archbishop Jorge Bergoglio celebrates a mass for Ash Wednesday, opening Lent, the forty-day period of abstinence and deprivation for the Christians, before the Holy Week and Easter, on February 13, 2013 at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Bergoglio is a candidate to succeed Pope Benedict XVI. less

Argentine Archbishop Jorge Bergoglio celebrates a mass for Ash Wednesday, opening Lent, the forty-day period of abstinence and deprivation for the Christians, before the Holy Week and Easter, on February 13, ... more

Photo: Juan Mabromata, AFP/Getty Images

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Undated file photo of Argentina's cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio posing with the emblem of San Lorenzo's football team, which he supports in Buenos Aires. Bergoglio has been elected Pope on March 13, 2013, to replace the frail Benedict XVI as leader of the world's 1.2 billon Catholics. less

Undated file photo of Argentina's cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio posing with the emblem of San Lorenzo's football team, which he supports in Buenos Aires. Bergoglio has been elected Pope on March 13, 2013, to ... more

Photo: --, AFP/Getty Images

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Argentine Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio drinks "mate" -traditional South American infused drink- in Buenos Aires on August 7, 2009. Bergoglio was named new Pope Francis I on March 3, 2013.

Argentine Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio drinks "mate" -traditional South American infused drink- in Buenos Aires on August 7, 2009. Bergoglio was named new Pope Francis I on March 3, 2013.

Photo: Javier Raul Dresco, AFP/Getty Images

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Undated file photo released by the Argentinian Presidency of Argentina's cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio meeting with Argentine President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner in Buenos Aires. Bergoglio has been elected Pope on March 13, 2013, to replace the frail Benedict XVI as leader of the world's 1.2 billon Catholics. less

Undated file photo released by the Argentinian Presidency of Argentina's cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio meeting with Argentine President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner in Buenos Aires. Bergoglio has been ... more

Photo: Ho, AFP/Getty Images

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Undated file photo of Argentina's cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio greeting parishioners during the celebration of Saint Cajetan in Buenos Aires. Bergoglio has been elected Pope on March 13, 2013, to replace the frail Benedict XVI as leader of the world's 1.2 billon Catholics. less

Undated file photo of Argentina's cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio greeting parishioners during the celebration of Saint Cajetan in Buenos Aires. Bergoglio has been elected Pope on March 13, 2013, to replace the ... more

Photo: Claudia Conteris, AFP/Getty Images

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In this March 21 2011 photo, Argentina's Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio touches a baby after a Mass in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Latin Americans reacted with joy on Wednesday at news that Bergoglio has become the first pope ever from the Americas and the first from outside Europe in more than a millennium. less

In this March 21 2011 photo, Argentina's Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio touches a baby after a Mass in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Latin Americans reacted with joy on Wednesday at news that Bergoglio has become ... more

Photo: Luciano Thieberger, Associated Press

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In this picture taken Aug. 7, 2009, Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio, right, gives the holy communion to Argentina's former army chief Roberto Bendini in Buenos in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Buenos Aires' Archbishop and Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio was named pope on Wednesday, making him the first pope ever from the Americas and the first from outside Europe in more than a millennium. Bendini was charged in 2008 by a federal court with misdirecting army funds to a private bank account before assuming his position as army chief in 2003. less

In this picture taken Aug. 7, 2009, Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio, right, gives the holy communion to Argentina's former army chief Roberto Bendini in Buenos in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Buenos Aires' Archbishop and ... more

Photo: Martin Zabala, Associated Press

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The Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio leads a mass at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Thursday, Feb. 14, 2013. About 40 percent of the world's Catholics live in Latin America. It suggests that if the cardinals who will elect the next pope are willing to look outside Europe, their first choice might be Central or South America, which brings 19 cardinals to the conclave. Bergoglio has been mentioned as papal possibility to succeed Pope Benedict XVI. less

The Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio leads a mass at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Thursday, Feb. 14, 2013. About 40 percent of the world's Catholics live in ... more

Photo: Natacha Pisarenko, Associated Press

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File picture of Argentine Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio - who was named new Pope Francis I - during a mass in memory of the 194 dead during a fire in Cromagnon discotheque in Buenos Aires on December 30, 2005. Bergoglio was elected Pope Francis I on Wednesday, becoming the church's first Latin American pontiff after a conclave to elect a leader of the world's 1.2 billion Catholics. less

File picture of Argentine Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio - who was named new Pope Francis I - during a mass in memory of the 194 dead during a fire in Cromagnon discotheque in Buenos Aires on December 30, 2005. ... more

Photo: Juan Mabromata, AFP/Getty Images

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The Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio leads a mass at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Thursday, Feb. 14, 2013. About 40 percent of the world's Catholics live in Latin America. It suggests that if the cardinals who will elect the next pope are willing to look outside Europe, their first choice might be Central or South America, which brings 19 cardinals to the conclave. Bergoglio has been mentioned as papal possibility to succeed Pope Benedict XVI. less

The Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio leads a mass at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Thursday, Feb. 14, 2013. About 40 percent of the world's Catholics live in ... more

Photo: Natacha Pisarenko, Associated Press

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Pope Francis' Gentle Revolution: Inside Rolling Stone's New Issue

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Sarah Palin has described Pope Francis as "kind of liberal." Rush Limbaugh has used the phrase "pure Marxism" to describe the pope's idea that a modern "culture of prosperity" has deadened people to the miseries of the poor. And many more conservatives have questioned his comment on homosexual priests – "Who am I to judge?" So just who is Pope Francis?

Rolling Stone sent contributing editor Mark Binelli inside the Vatican to deliver a portrait of His Holiness, a man who was born Jorge Mario Bergoglio 77 years ago in Buenos Aires, for the cover story in our new issue (on stands Friday). What he learned was that Pope Francis is making a noticeable break from Vatican tradition, facing political issues head on and presenting a more all-inclusive attitude toward human rights – and that Catholics are appreciative.

In less than a year since his papacy began, Pope Francis has done much to separate himself from past popes and establish himself as a people's pope. Francis chose not to reside in the papal palace, but to stay in the Vatican guest house, freeing himself of the insulation of Vatican clergymen. He opts to ride around town in a Ford Focus instead of a chauffeured limo. He pays his own hotel bills and keeps his agenda. And, while Binelli was in Italy, he told a congregation in the piazza that was weathering a storm that he wished he could come down to be with them. "He seems to really mean it," Binelli reported.

A Vatican insider commented on the way Francis has opted for privacy and independence in a way his predecessors haven't. "John Paul II and Benedict both had an inner circle so this is very disconcerting to the people on the inside," he told Rolling Stone. "Does Francis have a war room? No, probably not. But who is he talking to back there? No one really knows."

Beyond offering a friendlier alternative to Benedict XVI – his predecessor, who was the first pope to resign from his post in 700 years and who had a far more draconian outlook on homosexuality – Pope Francis has begun investigations into possible corruption within the church. He has explored ways to deal with the problem of pedophilia, looking into ways to take measures and counsel victims.

"Francis is already changing the church in real ways through his words and symbolic gestures," Father Thomas J. Reece, a senior analyst at the left-leaning National Catholic Reporter told Rolling Stone. "He could sit in his office, go through canon law and start changing rules and regulations. But that's not what people want him to do."

Since the papal election, attendance at papal events in the Vatican have tripled to 6.6 million people, Binelli reports. Through quotations from Vatican experts and an engaging biography that shows how the pope struggled through dark times to emerge as the frontrunner for papacy, Rolling Stone presents the pope as a man tied to religious tradition on one hand and fighting to bring the church into a new era with the other. As the cover suggests, "The times, they are a-changin'."

Also in this issue: Tim Dickinson on how the U.S. exports global warming, Jonah Weiner profiles 12 Years a Slave director Steve McQueen, Stephen Roderick catches up with David Crosby and David Kushner reports on the dead end on Silk Road.

Look for the issue on stands and in the iTunes App Store this Friday, January 31st.